Mortification Of Spin

Walking away from the faith is a phenomenon as old as humanity itself…but a recent “twist” has emerged in how some high-profile Christians choose to abandon their beliefs. Today, Todd attempts to school Carl on the cyber world of TikTok as the dynamic duo discusses one recent and disturbing “deconversion.” The two are talking about Abraham Piper; he’s the son of John Piper, the well-known pastor and founder of the ministry Desiring God. Abraham has attracted a lot of attention as he uses the big platforms of social media and prominent publications to spread his personal story, mock Christianity, and profit from it all. With Abraham being just one of several influencers to publicly “deconvert” here of late, what does it say about them…about us…about the faith in general, and our fascination with “Christian celebrities? Listen and weigh in on this tragic topic. Register for the opportunity to win a free copy of the fresh-off-the-press book, “Surviving Religion 101: Letters to a Christian Student on Keeping the

“A thorn in the side of the Archbishop of York.” That’s how our special guest is introduced today. Reverend Melvin Tinker was the vicar of St. John’s Newland in England for many years. He’s now the director of Theology of the Christ Church Network and the author of an amazing book entitled That Hideous Strength, addressing cultural Marxism in society and in the church. Now in a second expanded edition, the book challenges Christians to understand the culture in which they are ministering and the battle they face against the “War of Position." How has the Church contributed to the spreading of Marxist ideas, and what must be done to reverse it? How crucial is language in ideological warfare? Pull up a chair and join this conversation of ultimate relevance and importance!   Show Notes ·Antonio Gramsci’s War of Position  ·Sir David Lindsey ·“Useful Idiot” political jargon Register for the opportunity to win a free copy of That Hideous Strength. The copies are a generous gift from our friends at EP Books. Click

Race and Covenant   Our delightful duo is honored with a visit from a special guest. Gerry McDermott is an old friend and former Anglican Chair of Divinity at Samford’s Beeson Divinity School. He’s a prolific author, writing brilliantly on a wide variety of subjects ranging from theology and philosophy to famous stutterers. Just a few months ago, McDermott edited Race and Covenant, a collection of essays ignited by the desire to uncover–in the light of Scripture–why race became the number one issue in the country after the presidential election of 2008.    Race and Covenant is the work of several very articulate thinkers–Christians and Jews from different traditions, and people from different races and ethnicities contributing their perspectives on the topic. Where does the word “covenant” fit when addressing race? Is there any good to be found in Critical Race Theory? Listen closely to this important conversation, and be sure to share it with a friend!   Show Notes   ·  Institute on Religion and Democracy · 

The evangelical world has been shaken once again by the news of yet another influential leader’s tattered reputation. Ravi Zacharias was a prominent Christian speaker, writer, and apologist for over 4 decades. He spoke from the platforms of renowned institutions and college campuses all around the world. Although there were early questions about Zacharias’s inflated qualifications, a different kind of scandal was confirmed after his death last year. Carl and Todd raise a few questions about the “celebrity culture,” and how it is often immune to criticism. Sadly, serious character flaws involving sex, money, and power may then go unchecked. What should one who’s been helped by such leaders feel about that influence? Join us for a poignant and very necessary conversation. Visit our online store for numerous helpful resources addressing the many challenges of the Christian life.

Our special guest today makes a return visit to the podcast, which can only mean that Carl and Todd have not ruined his reputation (well at least, not yet)!  Among the many hats he wears, Matthew Barrett is associate professor of Christian Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Theological retrieval is a process close to Matthew’s heart, and his latest book—Simply Trinity: The Unmanipulated Father, Son, and Spirit—advances the conversation. What do the church fathers have to teach us today about the nature of the Trinity? Matthew addresses the word “unmanipulated,” and how the Holy Trinity is regularly co-opted to represent the positions of government, political parties, family dynamics, and even a social view of the environment. Why are some Christians skeptical of systematic theology and anything philosophical? How does philosophy aid us with theology? Join us for a fascinating discussion. And for more on this topic, don't miss PCRT Live--the 2021 Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology.

Learning from the Smyth-Fletcher Abuse Carl flies solo today as he speaks with the Rev. Dr. Peter Sanlon, an old friend and a minister in the Anglican Church in the UK. Their conversation is a somber one dealing with a horrific scandal of abuse that has emerged in the past couple of years involving a prominent Anglican minister, the Reverend Jonathan Fletcher. The full report of the abuses made public just a week ago is challenging to understand when reviewed on this side of the Atlantic, due to its cultural and religious context. Peter provides background information and explains the connection with another prominent name, the late John Smyth. What about the victims who have come forward? Is there a system in place to care for them, and how is that done? The notes below link to additional information about the scandal and to a charity where victims can find help.  Show Notes: Support for victims or those affected by Fletcher: Email thirtyone:eight charity in confidence for details of fund to provide counsel

Today’s special guest dared to ask questions and present statements from healthcare experts and transgender patients three years ago in his book When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment. Now, he’s been blacklisted and canceled by big tech.    Ryan T. Anderson worked for many years at the Heritage Foundation and helped found Public Discourse, a journal of the Witherspoon Institute. He’s recently become the president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., a conservative think tank "dedicated to applying the Judeo-Christian moral tradition to critical public policy issues."   A few weeks back, Ryan made headlines after When Harry Became Sally was banned from Amazon. The online behemoth’s decision has raised many questions about trans-ideology and its impact on society—about censorship, big tech, business monopoly, and the lack of accountability of powerful institutions. Carl, Todd, and Ryan sit down to discuss the long-term implications of this kind of censorship and wha

After revealing some details of their personal lives, Carl and Todd get down to business. Seems a disturbing phenomenon is plaguing churches all over the country. Since the lockdown, many Christians have become too comfortable with worshipping from home over a screen…dressed in their jammies, eating donuts, and—quite possibly—not really worshipping at all.  Does it really matter? What are people missing by not going back to church as restrictions are slowly being lifted? Our favorite duo discuss the meaning and importance of “being bodily present” for the different traditions like the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and the Protestant. Is there any place for live streaming, and any reason not to physically gather for worship? It’s time to weigh in. Oh, and notice who’s playing the optimist this time! Today's program originally aired 9/30/20.

The cancel culture mob never sleeps, and this time they’re after one of the most well-known evangelical pastors and writers of our day. Max Lucado recently came under fire for a message he preached and an article he wrote in 2004 holding the view that marriage is between one man and one woman.  Our duo takes on Lucado’s response and all that followed when his “crime,’ according to the mob, was exposed. How can the average Christian defend his or her beliefs when top evangelical leaders falter in their response to such accusations? Can “faithful people disagree” about what the Bible says about homosexuality? Join us for a timely and useful conversation! We are pleased to offer the opportunity to win a copy of a very relevant book on the topic. Register to win a free copy of That Hideous Strength by Melvin Tinker. The books are a gift from our friends at Evangelical Press.

American culture has been moving in a progressive direction at breakneck speed, with it, the language employed to define the trends. Today, Carl and Todd explore the meaning of “Cancel Culture” and the latest “cancellation” of a prominent conservative voice by one of the most powerful corporations in the country. Ryan T. Anderson, who has been a guest on this podcast, was recently “canceled” for his book on transgenderism (“When Harry Became Sally”), which challenges the mainstream sexual orthodoxy and points out the dangers of body mutilation. What’s the significance of this book being removed from a major online retailer? Should we be alarmed? Join us for a timely and important conversation.  Show Notes ·Listen to Ryan’s interview when “When Harry Became Sally” was first published. ·About Ryan T. Anderson ·How Ryan Anderson’s Banned Book ‘When Harry Became Sally’ Helped Me With Gender Dysphoria.

Christian education is highly regarded among Reformed Christians, and for good reason. Teaching young believers the basics of the faith and helping the mature ones swim the deep waters of the catholicity of our creeds and confessions has been, for many years, a passion and mission of today’s guest. Lane Tipton is pastor at Trinity Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Easton, PA, and a fellow of Biblical and Systematic Theology at the Reformed Forum. Tipton sits down with Carl and Todd to share how an end goal of teaching and preaching deepens his commitment to help Christians in every stage of faith become fully mature in Christ. Lane points out the importance of systematic theology in preaching, and that Christ’s presence in the Old Testament grows organically through the pages of Scripture, rendering an important means to develop our understanding of the whole of Scripture. Is the mission of the Old Testament merely to point us to Jesus in the New Testament? How may one preach the OT without repeatedly making th

Evil has plagued humanity since the Garden of Eden…and has obviously clouded Carl's judgement. In today’s conversation, the brash Brit attempts to pass as a native Texan, just because he’s been to a Willie Nelson concert at Billy Bob’s wearing cowboy boots and a Stetson. Take a moment to picture the hideous spectacle… Todd, a true native of the Lone Star State, welcomes recent Texas transplant Scott Christensen for a conversation about his most recent work, What about Evil. In the book, Scott addresses the perennial question: “If God exists, and if He’s good, then why does He allow evil?” Perhaps the answer may be found in the unchanging nature of God. Join us for a most useful discussion! We are pleased to offer our listeners the opportunity to win a free copy of What about Evil? Register! Show Notes · About Scott Christensen

Carl and Todd meet to discuss a prevalent problem in the church: spiritual abuse. We know it happens, but pinpointing spiritual abuse in the church—then, working to resolve it--requires a great deal of care and wisdom.  What actually constitutes “spiritual abuse?” Do being confronted, offended, or simply hearing something you don’t like count as forms of abuse? How has the therapeutic culture we live in changed the conversation, even the language employed? Who are more likely to be abused--ministers or congregants? Our hosts weigh in with insight based on personal experience, and offer advice about tools that could help curb abuse in the church. Show Notes ·Evangelicals and Race Theory by Carl Trueman

Michael Hanby is associate professor of Religion and Philosophy of Science at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at the Catholic University of America. Dr. Hanby is in today to discuss recent societal changes that are taking place at breakneck speed.  The concept of gay marriage may seem almost conservative these days, considered alongside the issues we all now face. How have once unthinkable sexual standards so quickly become the norm in the political and public sphere? How should one think and operate in a society experiencing such rapid change? Show Notes · The Brave New World of Same Sex Marriage article by Michael Hanby · The Abolition of Man and Woman article by Michael Hanby · The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis

CRT (Carl R. Trueman) joins co-host Todd Pruitt, who is primed and ready for today’s discussion of…CRT! Critical Race Theory has seeped into the church—even reaching some more conservative branches of Protestantism—and it’s rapidly gaining ground. What is critical race theory? Carl makes the connection with identity politics as he describes his recent article that demonstrates CRT is another seductive facet of Marxism, trying to solve the problem of evil using oppressor/oppressed categories.  How should the church work through issues of race without failing to address the other challenges of our day? Are “victim and victimizer” biblical concepts? Don’t miss this timely conversation! Show Notes ·Evangelicals and Race Theory by Carl Trueman ·American political activist, philosopher, and author Angela Davis ·Reclaiming the Atonement: An Orthodox Theology of Redemption by Patrick Henry Reardon  ·Carl’s review of Race and Covenant by Gerald McDermott

With Todd hopelessly delayed by an extended hair styling appointment, Carl alone sits down to chat with our special guest. At the table is Andrew Walker, associate professor of Christian Ethics and Apologetics, associate dean of the School of Theology, and executive director of the Carl F. H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement, all at Southern Baptist Seminary. Andrew’s also an editor and writer for several publications. Simply put, Andrew is an expert in making the Gospel practical, plausible, real, and effective in the daily affairs of modern society—the very topic of today’s conversation. Andrew defines Natural Law, explaining how it informs morality, free speech, and religious freedom—each, an area of great concern for every American.  Show Notes · About Andrew T. Walker · Liberty for All by Andrew T. Walker upcoming book

Life is full of tragedy, sadness, and suffering. Scripture is replete with such stories from Genesis to Revelation. Why is there suffering? Why do Christians suffer? Is there any hope to be found in the midst of suffering? Carl and Todd sit down with Mark Talbot, associate professor of Philosophy at Wheaton College, who has written a very helpful book entitled When the Stars Disappear: Help and Hope from the Stories of Suffering in Scripture. Mark shares the reasons he wrote the book, and an interesting perspective on suffering…including how humans dealt with suffering in times past, and the way we see and deal with suffering in the present. Pull up a seat and join us for this personal and relatable conversation. Show Notes ·Acts 27 and 28  ·“When Suffering is Redemptive/Redeeming a Life of Paralysis,” a free download from ReformedResources.org  We have several copies of When the Stars Disappear that we would like to give away. Register for the opportunity to win one. The books are a generous gift from our

Worship is a sacred privilege for Christians, and how we approach worship is key to revealing what we believe about our relationship with the transcendent God. With that understanding in mind, Carl and Todd invite Jonathan Cruse to talk about his book, titled What Happens When We Worship. Jonathan is an ordained minister in the OPC, and pastors Community Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo, MI. Cruse helps his readers—both young and old, seasoned believers and those new to the faith—to understand the elements of worship, all that is taking place while we worship, and why certain aspects are done as they are in the Reformed tradition. It’s a rich book, written that every Christian might grasp the wonder and awe of worship.

Brad Littlejohn and Colin Redemer join Carl and Todd for a conversation about the Davenant Institute, and to reflect on the state of education in general and of theological education in particular in the United States. You’ll learn the meaning behind the name of the institution, which was founded to solve a supply and demand problem.  Brad and Colin believe that God’s simplicity, aseity, eternality, immutability, and impassibility are concepts that should be shared with the laity. What’s more, the Davenant duo makes a compelling case that learning is not simply a matter of utilitarianism, as it is “sold” by educational institutions today. Our guests explain the real value and purpose of education, and how they coincide with the philosophy of teaching and programs offered by Davenant Institute. We’re partnering with The Davenant Institute to offer a few free copies of one of their publications titled Without Excuse: Scripture, Reason, and Presuppositional Apologetics. Register for the opportunity to win one. S

Keeping track of the beautiful cities in South Carolina is not an easy task, but Todd finally gets it right as he introduces today’s guest. Jon Payne is the pastor of Christ Church Presbyterian in Charleston, SC, and serves as the executive coordinator of the Gospel Reformation Network (GRN).  Jon explains what the Gospel Reformation Network is, what brought this group of PCA pastors and elders together about eight years ago, and the pressing issues of the day that keep them standing firm in the purpose of upholding biblical fidelity. Payne shares the vision of GRN, explains the difference between a supporting network and a lobbying group inside the denomination, and announces the upcoming GRN event in May. Oh, and—once again--you’ll notice Carl’s delight in not being like those troubled PCAers! We are pleased to be giving away copies of A Faith Worth Defending: The Synod of Dort’s Enduring Heritage. Register for the opportunity to win one. The books are a generous gift from our friends at Reformation Heritag